The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Velpeau Carlton Thomas (MCSN: 0-98055), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division on 31 July 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Participating in a company size search and clear operation in Quang Ngai Province, Second Lieutenant Thomas’ unit was preparing a night defensive position near the hamlet of Tay Phuoc. Alert to the possibility of an enemy attack, he dispatched a squad size ambush patrol to secure a likely avenue of approach. As a result of his forethought and quick actions, the squad executed a successful ambush against an approaching element of Viet Cong, effectively warning the remainder of the platoon of an impending enemy assault. Shortly thereafter, an estimated one hundred Viet Cong attacked the Marine unit. Displaying bold courage and tenacity, Second Lieutenant Thomas skillfully directed the efforts of his platoon against the numerically superior enemy force during the ensuing seven hour fire flight. When a UH-34D medical evacuation helicopter was shot down near the platoon perimeter, he completely disregarded his own safety to personally lead a portion of his forces in establishing a defense around the downed aircraft. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he supervised his men on the defensive perimeter, shifting them as necessary to insure their safety while calling in artillery support. In order to mark enemy targets for air strikes, Second Lieutenant Thomas daringly led a 3.5Ó rocket team into an open rice paddy which was under continuous Viet Cong fire. In large measure due to his courageous actions, the enemy positions were pinpointed which enabled the supporting aircraft to destroy them. Throughout the night, he supervised the resupply of ammunition and directed efforts to repair and extract the damaged helicopter. As a result of Second Lieutenant Thomas’ sound judgment, quick actions and inspiring leadership, the Marines sustained only one minor casualty while inflicting severe losses on the enemy. By his aggressive fighting spirit, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Thomas upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.